Kunal Kohli reveals Yash Chopra was unhappy with Hum Tum script: ‘He said Mujhse Dosti Karoge! is Mughal-E-Azam in front of it’ | Hindi Movie News

Kunal Kohli’s Hum Tum, starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji, remains one of the most beloved rom-coms of all time. From Saif and Rani’s impeccable chemistry to its engaging plot and an unforgettable music album, the film continues to enjoy a dedicated fanbase. Released in cinemas on 28 May 2004, the romantic comedy has stood the test of time. However, in a recent revelation at Indian Now and How, director Kunal Kohli shared that while both he and Aditya Chopra had unwavering faith in the film, Yash Chopra was initially sceptical.
Yash Chopra was not convinced by Hum Tum
Speaking about the legendary filmmaker’s reservations, Kunal Kohli disclosed, “Yash Chopra wasn’t very happy with Hum Tum’s script. He said Mujhse Dosti Karoge! is Mughal-E-Azam in front of it. He called the script ordinary and said it was a travel log. He agreed to give Rs 7.5 crore and refused to give a penny more. Only Aditya and I believed in the film.”
Despite his reluctance, Yash Chopra had a change of heart after watching the final cut of Hum Tum. Kohli recounted, “Yash ji had even said that he would not put his name in the film if it didn’t work and would put Aditya Chopra’s name instead, but after watching the final cut, he appreciated the film and said, ‘I was wrong, you both were right.’ I had tears in my eyes. He said, ‘I will proudly put my name’.”
Cost-cutting measures for animation and international shoots
One of Hum Tum’s unique elements was its animated sequences featuring cartoon characters. Kohli revealed that he managed to keep animation costs at just Rs 50 lakh by simplifying the visuals. “I just kept basic sketches of the cartoons and removed the background, 3D, and everything,” he explained.
Budget constraints also affected the international shoot. While the film featured scenes set in Paris and New York, they were actually filmed in Amsterdam. Karan Johar even helped source stock footage of New York while shooting Kal Ho Naa Ho.

Rishi Kapoor initially refused to do a cameo
Kunal Kohli also shared how the late Rishi Kapoor was hesitant to take on a guest role in Hum Tum because of his history with Yash Raj Films. “Rishi ji told me, ‘I don’t do guest appearances in films, especially in a Yash Raj Films production, because I have always played a hero and done important films for them’.” However, he eventually agreed to the cameo, adding another memorable performance to the film.

Despite initial scepticism from trade analysts, who predicted the film would flop, Hum Tum went on to become a major box office success. Kohli recalled, “Several trade analysts had declared Hum Tum a flop after watching it. However, the box office verdict for the film was a hit, and the rest is history.”